What role does Secretin play?
Secretin is involved in a number of functions of the body, its primary role is to stimulate the pancreas to secrete digestive fluids that are rich in bicarbonate and neutralise the acids from the stomach as they pass into the small intestine. It also stimulates the stomach to produce an enzyme called pepsin, which helps break down proteins. According to Dr. Rimland, from the Autism Research Institute in America, secretin may also be involved in many brain activities including stimulating and utilising the neurotransmitter serotonin. There are secretin receptors in many places in the central nervous system, including the eyes. It is not certain whether secretin may improve the symptoms of autism because of its action on the pancreas or on the brain, however for some there is a link between gastrointestinal and brain functions. According to Paul Shattock, from the Autism Research Unit, proteins not digested properly in the stomach of autistic children will leak into the bloodstream and e
